Green Spring Gardens celebrates the cherry blossoms

This Children’s Cherry Blossom
Festival, Saturday, April 5, 1-3 p.m., is designed for families with children
age 5 and up. Activities include storytelling, origami, Japanese-style lantern
painting, a cherry tree haunt, and instruction in using chopsticks. It’s $10 a
person. Register online or call Green Spring Gardens at 703-642-5173.

On Sunday, April 6, 1-3 p.m., adults
can enjoy tea at the Japonism in Fashion event, highlighting Japanese
influence on western fashion. Participants will view gorgeous avant-garde designs that combine
Japanese motifs with 19th and 20th century Western silhouettes, discover elements of
the kimono in tea gowns and opera coats, and learn about Japanese designers who
are redefining fashion worldwide today. This program is $29 per person. Reservations are
required; call 703-941-7987.

Another program for adults, a
Unami Tasting Party, takes place Saturday, April 12, 10 a.m.-noon. Umami is a Japanese
word meaning pleasant, savory taste. Participants at this session will sample
unami-rich foods and learn about the history, health benefits, and research
science on unami and how to use it to enhance your cooking. The cost is $27 a
person.Register online or call
703-642-5173.

Jan. 16 - Annual Give Together, a family volunteer event on the Martin Luther King National Day of Service, Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia, three shifts (9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1:30 p.m.). Sign up with Volunteer Fairfax. 703-246-3828,